Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost’s poem "In Common Places" explores the complex emotions and undercurrents of a shared experience between two individuals, set against the backdrop of nature and everyday settings. The poem delves into themes of intimacy, transformation, and the profound impact of shared, yet unspoken, emotions.

The poem opens with a wish for solitude: "Wish I had been alone, your tread was a heavy cord around my knees." This line suggests a sense of restriction or burden brought about by the presence of the other person. The metaphor of a "heavy cord" evokes an image of being tied down or hindered, highlighting the speaker's desire for freedom and independence. Despite the friendly nature of their outing, the presence of the other person causes the speaker to feel uneasy and transforms their internal state to "sump," a term that conveys stagnation and heaviness.

The speaker describes breathing "the air from my neck and held still," suggesting an attempt to maintain composure despite the oppressive feeling. The other person's "arm a wall around me" reinforces the sense of being enclosed or confined. The speaker's reaction to the sight of the birds, "strangely beautiful," indicates a moment of wonder or awe that contrasts with the tension felt in the presence of the other person.

The poem then shifts to address the other person directly: "It's not that you haven't seen a miracle, / the heart of the world. I cannot look at you, but as we trek and haul ourselves up this hill you may be shivering inside, your eyes on fire." This passage suggests a recognition of the other person's inner turmoil or passion, which mirrors the speaker's own emotional state. The imagery of "shivering inside" and "eyes on fire" conveys a sense of suppressed intensity and vulnerability.

The poem's exploration of shared secrets continues with the lines: "A lover swooning with your rare voice tied. / We hold and take our secrets like a sad man with his mistress. In common places." The metaphor of a "sad man with his mistress" suggests a relationship characterized by secrecy and hidden emotions. The "common places" – a country lake, the moon, a cheap hotel room – serve as the backdrop for their shared experiences, emphasizing the ordinary yet deeply significant nature of these moments.

The poem concludes with a powerful statement about the depth of their connection: "But when we quiver, we quiver deep and harder." This line underscores the intensity and profundity of their shared emotions, despite the seemingly mundane settings. The use of "quiver" suggests a physical and emotional response that is both involuntary and deeply felt.

"In Common Places" by Carol Frost is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human connection, the tension between desire and restraint, and the transformative power of shared experiences. Through its rich imagery and evocative language, the poem captures the profound impact of unspoken emotions and the ways in which ordinary settings can become the stage for extraordinary moments of intimacy and understanding. Frost's nuanced portrayal of these themes invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of connection and the hidden depths of everyday interactions.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Love_and_Scorn/asOTz7mTOdcC?q=&gbpv=1&bsq=IN%20COMMON#f=false

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